Adria Airways has continued to see a large decline in passenger numbers in 2012. In the first month of the year the Slovenian carrier handled only 56.214 passengers, its lowest January result in years. The airline’s numbers were down 14.3% on January 2011 when it welcomed 65.635 passengers. However, it should be noted that Adria has significantly decreased the number of flight operations compared to last year. In December, Adria saw similar results as the airline recorded a passenger slump 14.5% accompanied by a 18% reduction in flights and a load factor of only 57%.

In an attempt to offset the worrying figures Adria is offering special fares for stranded Malev passengers, following the collapse of the Hungarian national carrier. Passengers holding a Malev ticket have been offered special prices for Adria’s direct scheduled flights. The price for one flight coupon in economy class is 60 Euros, except for Moscow (200 Euros) Brussels (80), Frankfurt to Priština (120) and Munich to Priština (100). The offer is valid for travel until February 29. The Centre for Aviation believes that Adria, along with Austrian and Croatia Airlines, will absorb a portion of the transit traffic previously carried by Malev.

Meanwhile, Adria Airways Tehnika, which is struggling following the collapse of Spanair has said that staff has agreed to 20% reduction in wages. Spanair was Tehnika’s second largest client after Adria itself. On a brighter note, Adria Tehnika’s new hanger at Ljubljana Airport is nearing completion.